British FM flies to Caribbean after criticism of Irma aid

LONDON: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson flew to British territories in the Caribbean yesterday following intense criticism of London’s efforts to help communities devastated by Hurricane Irma. Johnson, who has dismissed the criticism from local residents and British tourists as “completely unjustified”, will visit the affected British Overseas Territories, the foreign ministry said on Twitter. Britain has sent more than 700 troops and 50 police officers to the British Virgin Islands after Irma swept through last week. Six people have been killed in the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

PROVIDENCIALES: A handout picture shows Royal Marine Commandos unloading aid supplies from a RAF C-130 after landing on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos archipelago following the passing of Hurricane Irma.—AFP